Re: Reflections on a Pro-Life Open Letter to the Delegates of the Synod on Synodality: What Can Be Done Now?

While the Synod on Synodality's second and final assembly was taking place in Rome, last October, it became evident that the Synod’s theme—For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission—was being interpreted in an exceptionally broad manner by some of the delegates. This naturally caused some friction among the attendees, as reported by the media, and brought frustration and sadness to many people outside of the Synod - myself included.

Given the clear doctrine regarding the protection of life, from conception until natural death, and the consensus on its interpretation among the Churches present at the Synod, there should have been unanimous support, with no friction, for at least one urgent and significant synodal concrete action: the protection of the unborn, the most vulnerable among us.

In an effort to prompt the Synod to take decisive action on this critical issue, on October 9th, I sent an open letter via email to the Delegates of the Synod on Synodality (see previous post for the text of the letter).

Over two months have passed, and in that time, five out of seven states in the USA have passed laws to protect intentional abortion rights. Florida was one of the states that did not approve such a constitutional amendment, but only because more than 66% was required for passage and only 57% of the votes were in favor. In other words, only approximately 43% of voters were pro-life. If it was for the simple majority of voters, it would have been approved in Florida too.

Since this important voting was to happen in the USA, setting a reference for the rest of the world, it was really sad to see the Synod with its focus on a vast scope of other matters, in my view, a lot less relevant.

It is crucial for the People of God to understand our individual responsibilities in connection with the protection of life, from conception until natural death, and this is something the Church must emphasize and clarify the risks for souls and even possible excommunication ( Canon 1397, Second Paragraph ).

Since the Synod’s assembly has concluded, it is now too late to include a unified pro-life position in its final document. However, each former delegate can still act individually. They should urge our Church to make it clear to the People of God that supporting, endorsing, and particularly voting for intentional abortion rights—directly or indirectly through politicians with an agenda in defense of intentional abortion—constitutes a clear departure from Church teachings and bears grave spiritual consequences.

If you know any former delegates, please encourage them to take the pro-life action mentioned above.